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26
This report should be studied by all those who are engaged either professionally
or administratively in work relating to pregnancy, labour or after
care.
Two brief quotations must suffice to indicate the general conclusions of
the Committee
"Nevertheless, we are confirmed in the opinion expressed in our
Interim Report that at least half the deaths which have come under review
could have been prevented had due forethought been exercised by
the expectant mother and her attendant, a reasonable degree of skill been
brought to bear upon the management of the case, and adequate facilities
for treatment been provided and utilized."
"We are, however, convinced that the primary essential for the reduction
of a high maternal mortality is sound midwifery, before, during
and after childbirth, and this does not chiefly depend upon administrative
arrangements or the expenditure of public money."
These conclusions are amplified with a wealth of practical suggestion.
From the point of view of this report the suggestions that are of the greatest
interest are those relating to the development of maternal care under the
Maternity and Child Welfare Act.
A full account of what is being done in Shoreditch will be found in
Section viii of this report.
It is a matter for satisfaction that the scheme for Maternal Care in this
Borough is comprehensive. It must not, however, be forgotten that the
tragedies with which the Committee's report deals can only be prevented by
continual vigilance and the maintenance of the highest standard of professional
work.